water in highbeam, now wont burn.. Options

[celicaluva79]

just noticed one of my highbeams is out. Upon closer inspection, i can see water in the light. (maybe an inch or so accumulated). im guessing my problem isnt gonna be as simple as throwing a new bulb in. what do i need to do to fix this? thanks. (also, to replace the highbeam bulbs, you dont have to take the bumper off do you?

[Special_Edy]

Whether you replace it or fix it, you have to pull the bumper off to get the lense out. Once you have it out locating the leak wouldnt be that difficult. The three places I would suggest looking for a leak based on my experience is-
where the plastic housing on the back glues to the glass on the front. Sometimes this glue or seal can develop leaks
A obvious crack in the plastic housing, or even the glass.
And finally the black rubber tubes on the back of the unit that are supposed to let air vent without letting water it. These hoses fall off or get turned upside down and let water in.

If you do find the leak-
take something sharp like a razor blade or knife and turn the crack into a valley shape by digging out the side facing you(this will allow your silicon or w/e to get a good handhold). Now take some sandpaper of apx. 120-200 grit(just dont go over 400) and lightly rough up the area around the crack. Now take your choice of adhesive/sealer such as silicone, plastic cement, rtv, caulk superglue or whatever(dont overanalyse it, they will all work fine), and fill the crack you widened out with a small bead of sealer/adhesive and feather it out a half an inch away from the crack. Should be waterproof for many, many years now.


If you cant find the leak you can go snag a headlight for $35 out of the junkyard( at least thats what they charge near Dallas). Removing the bumper almost outweighs the cost of a salvage yard headlight.


***Edit***
Not trying to be a jerk, but this shoulda gone in the interior/electrical/lighting or exterior sub forums, not the engine/transmission/maintainance

This post has been edited by Special_Edy: Apr 21, 2012 - 12:13 PM

[kurt95gt]

I did a much simpler fix for water in the high beam

Its not as good of a fix as a replacement light or resealing the leak but you wont have to take off the bumper

I took a really small drill bit an drilled a hole into the bottom of my highbeam
itt let the water drain out an is alot easier to do

The replace the bulb just pop your hood an it come out the back

[k-weaver]

I did a much simpler fix for water in the high beam

Its not as good of a fix as a replacement light or resealing the leak but you wont have to take off the bumper

I took a really small drill bit an drilled a hole into the bottom of my highbeam
itt let the water drain out an is alot easier to do

The replace the bulb just pop your hood an it come out the back

I've been meaning to do this same thing just haven't gotten around to it yet.